life lately
{enjoying // this lovable guy}
{celebrating & celebrating // this one’s golden birthday}
{remembering // an awesome wedding through this awesome photo}
{getting addicted // to this show}
Also, baking this deliciousness and enjoying this weekend with family.
xo
A List of My Favorite Lists
I like lists. A lot.
To-do lists, grocery lists, packing lists, work lists, bucket lists, reading lists, etc.
I’ve just recently realized my fascination with lists. I like making lists because of the accomplished feeling after crossing things off the list. I like reading lists because of the organizing principle. I like going into something knowing exactly how long I’ll be reading.
I’ve written quite a few blog post lists: 10 Truths About Aquarians {aka me}, 10 Favorite High School Memories, 10 Teensy Things That Make Me Happy, Top 10 Movies of 2012, 10 Things I Want to Do in NYC, Thanks to Pop Culture, My Week in To-Do’s, The Book List, 15 Truths I’ve Learned from 15-Year-Olds
(It also seems like I like an even number of 10 … )
And I’ve shared a few Thought Catalog lists: 32 Things You Should Stop Caring About, 10 Greatest Quotes About Women, 42 Life Lessons from Mean Girls
And now my latest obsession, as you know, is Buzzfeed. So sharing a few of their lists as well: 21 Kids Who Will Definitely Change the World Someday, 26 Struggles of Being a Social Media Addict, 26 Perfect Responses to Ridiculous Facebook Posts
Anyway, now you know a fun fact about me. And if you want to know more, there’s a list for that. {10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Me, but Should}
xo
favorites, round 2.
Things I love that I want to share with you, so you can love them too.
1. Reading on an iPad I’ve had an iPad for a couple years now, but I’ve resisted reading on it because it’s just not the same, right? Well I have news for those of you who have been resisting like me – it’s pretty awesome. I bought a great book for $2.99. That’s right, $2.99. First awesome point. Second, you can highlight without ruining the pages. You can make notes without ruining the pages. You can then see all your highlighted sections and notes in one place. AWESOME. I’m sure there are lots of other awesome things you can do I just haven’t learned yet, but so far that’s enough for me.
2. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil How many of you either use Moroccan Oil or have used it in the past? My hand is raised. I loved it, but it’s pretty pricey and you can’t buy it at Walmart or Ulta. I’ve seen this Organix brand at both Walmart and Ulta for a while now and been curious how it is. So, on my trip to New Orleans, I bought a little three-pack of travel size shampoo, conditioner and oil. Guys, it changed my life. Let me spell it out for you –
Total cost of Moroccan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (8.5oz), Treatment Oil (3.5oz): $84
Total cost of Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo & Conditioner (13oz), Treatment Oil (3.3oz): $22
3. Love t-shirt from Riffraff I wear this ALL.THE.TIME. To bed, with colored jeans, with leopard cardi, to workout, on road trips, on Dickson. Seriously, it looks cute always. You probably need one.
4. Hostess Cupcakes Did you know Hostess made the sweetest comeback in the history of ever? I’m not a Twinkie fan, but I do love me some Cupcakes. They also make me think of my grandfather, which is always a good thing. You should also check out hostessrecipes.com. Oh my gosh.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts Strawberry Shortcake Coffee This may look really weird, but it’s so worth a try. The first time I had it was at work. Someone was brewing it and the smell alone was amazing, then I tried some and it tasted even better than it smelled. We’ve been drinking it at home ever since. Hurry and go get some, because it’s limited time only!
6. Buzzfeed Why it’s taken me this long to catch onto this trend is beyond me. I’m totally obsessed and check the app a couple times a day. A few of my current favorites: 23 Times Mindy Kaling Perfectly Captured Your Angst, 30 Signs You’re Almost 30, 25 Ways to Tell You’re a Kid of the 90s
xo xo
You might also enjoy: favorites, Friday + a few of my favorite things
life lately
Life lately after Essence Fest has been a whole lot of relaxing. Two weeks later I feel like I’m finally recovered and back to normal at home and work. Good thing, just as it’s about to ramp up again for some birthdays, weekend trips and moving. Here’s a little peek at our life lately.
{enjoying // these fresh flowers TWO WEEKS later}
{laughing // at our goobery pup}
{relaxing // with some of my favorite things}
{sitting // at Mellow Mushroom after a long day’s work}
{eating // this delicious summer pasta}
xo xo
“May your weekend be full of adventure and cheer; May the start of next week be a long way from here.”
After the craziness of last weekend at Essence Fest, this weekend I’m ready for a whole lot of doing nothing. Weekend plans include: Friday night movie with friends, sleep in, time by the pool, read, finish Greek, make this for dinner, make homemade ice cream, relax with husband and pup.
Enjoy your weekend, and take some time to relax. xo
10 Truths About Aquarians {aka me}
Sometimes you don’t realize things about yourself until you follow @AboutAquarius on Twitter.
Enjoy. xo
1. Aquarians are quiet around a crowd of people just so they can study people’s ways and actions.
2. Just because an Aquarius is nice doesn’t mean they trust you.
3. Aquarius are hypersensitive about not being liked or worse taken for granted.
4. Know that an Aquarius can sometimes act over confident and bossy.
5. No matter how deeply in love an Aquarius is, they will never sacrifice their independence.
6. Because an Aquarius is friendly with everyone, it can be confusing to figure out whether they like you or not.
7. An Aquarius gets very anxious by the thought of being sleep-deprived.
8. Hugging an emotional Aquarius will only make them cry.
9. Always seek an Aquarius for advice. Because they love giving advice, it’s always wholehearted and wholesome.
10. An Aquarius seems shy in the beginning, and then they get crazy when they’re comfortable with you.
No rest for the weary.
I’ve completely failed at blogging lately. Life has gotten in the way, but I’d say that’s a good thing.
I’m jetting off tomorrow for New Orleans for the holiday weekend. Unfortunately, sans husband. I’m headed to Essence Festival as our social media correspondent, so follow @Walmart on Twitter for fun updates and pics! (shameless plug) I’ll be busy, busy, busy at the event, mostly plotting the best way to get behind the scenes and meet Queen Bey. She shops at Walmart, right? She’ll definitely want to talk to me…
Not only am I leaving husband behind, but also my parents who came in town for the week. Talk about timing. Luckily, I’ve gotten some wonderful time with them for a few days, as well as with our family friends from West Memphis.
Before I head off to pack and listen to 90s Pop Pandora, I’ll leave you with a few other life lately updates.
{enjoying // a beautiful day for some professional women’s golf}
{doing // summer-ish things, like a rooftop party for Team Break the Cycle}
{eating // the best crepes this side of the tracks}
{celebrating // two amazing people getting married}
Happy 4th of July weekend to you and yours! xo xo
P.S. I’m extra excited to share my next set of book reviews for Reconstructing Amelia and Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse. Stay tuned!
Summer-ish Things
I vow to complete the following list of Summer-ish things. Welcome, favorite season! I’m ready for you.
1. Canoeing/Kayaking
2. Camping
3. Drive-in movie
4. Road trip
5. Go to the golfing range
6. Have a fancy picnic (preferably with wine and cheese and fruit)
7. Enjoy music outdoors
8. Go to a theme park
9. Host an outdoor party
10. Spend an entire day by the pool with good book + good drink in hand
You might also enjoy: I need the smell of Summer, I need its noises in my ear, Endless Summer
life lately {shareholders edition}
Oh, brother. These past two weeks have been quite a doozy.
As most of you (who live in nwa) know, the beginning of June means Walmart’s Annual Shareholders Meeting aka tens of thousands of people envelop the area, celebs walking the streets (Tom Cruise was on the Bentonville Square !!!) and just all around very very busy. As some of you know, I had a very interesting part in Shareholders this year. I currently manage our Walmart Mom Blogger program. We invite these bloggers to Shareholders every year to experience the event, meet with marketers, merchants, suppliers and get inspired to blog about Walmart. I managed their entire trip (and was with them) from breakfast to dinner, 4 days and 3 nights.
It was the most physically and mentally exhausted I’ve probably ever been in my life, but it was also fabulous. I loved the event planning aspect and loved getting to know these Moms I’ve been corresponding with for the past 7 months. Overall it was an amazing week, but it left me pooped! Hence, why I’m just now getting around to blogging. Anyway, enjoy a few photos from my life lately.
{Pre-Shareholders I got to enjoy a BEAUTIFUL wedding of two dear friends. It always makes me so happy to see a wedding full of so much love, joy and inspiration. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. DeMoss! We love you!
Psst, check out the bride’s blog about her big day with some beautiful photos & enough love to make you tear.}
{Walmart Moms}
{Couldn’t have made it without this wonderful lady!}
{Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Hugh Jackman – it’s really a concert with a few business items!
Photo credit: MommyBrainReports.com}
{Much needed sunshine, beer + relaxation with husband after the event}
{Friday night at a Naturals Game}
{Oh, and puppy got shaved for the Summer}
xo xo
life lately
{celebrating // sister in law’s hs graduation, see nostalgic blog post here}
{drinking // prickly pear cactus margarita, Table Mesa Bistro}
{praising // a wonderful God during the calm after a scary storm – Psalm 107:29}
{becoming a trekkie // during our 2nd anniversary trip to KC}
{relaxing // with my boys, just the way I like it}
xo xo
You’ve Got the Love I Need to See Me Through
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying “Lord I just don’t care”
But you’ve got the love I need to see me throughSometimes it seems the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you’ve got the love I need to see me throughTime after time I think “Oh Lord what’s the use?”
Time after time I think it’s just no good
‘Cause sooner or later in life, the things you love you lose
But you got the love I need to see me through
* * *
Happy second anniversary!
I love you, husband. Always & forever. xo
You can see a snapshot of our wedding in my post 5.28.11.
10 Favorite High School Memories
I remember it like it was yesterday. The nerves we would trip on stage, the excitement we were free. The tears for friends moving far away, the laughter while sharing one last summer together.
As I watched my sister-in-law graduate from high school yesterday, all I could think about was my four years at BHS. I met my future husband while there. I found my passion for theater. I became close with an incredible group of girls. I loved high school.
So in honor of Tori’s graduation, I got nostalgic looking at old pictures and wanted to share 10 of my favorite high school memories.
* * *
1. For one night only, we were Bentonville’s Next Top Models.
2. My first concert and “road trip” without my parents and we wound up meeting both bands we saw – Brand New and Dashboard Confessional. [Pictured with Chris Carrabba, lead singer of Dashboard.]
3. High school would not have been the same without theater. Most challenging role – Wicked Witch, The Wizard of Oz. Most fun – dancer in Footloose, pictured.
4. Husband and I went to three proms together. As we were reminiscing this weekend, we decided my Junior year was our favorite. Love these beautiful ladies.
5. Snow Days. You can read my thoughts on that topic here.
6. Through my church I got involved in this little thing called LYO. Little did I know the few weekends we got together every couple months would be some of the most random and most fun I’d ever have.
7. Road trip to Ft. Smith for a BHS football game. Bathroom stop at Chester, population 99 = unforgettable.
8. Top 3 in Miss BHS. Loved every second of this opportunity.
9. Powderpuff football game. As much fun as I had, this solidified the reason why I never played sports.
10. And of course, our senior trip to Panama City. Still in my top best trips ever taken. I’ll never forget these girls!
xo xo
life lately
{drinking // pink beer (!!) at Fayetteville Foam Fest}
{smiling // because I have the best husband ever}
{enjoying // all the pictures mom is sending from Costa Rica}
{relaxing // pre-dinner TCBY is always a winner in my book}
We also had a fantastic Saturday morning at our Gravette Clothing Giveaway.
xo xo
life lately
{celebrating // Boys & Girls Club at the Great Futures Gala}
{reading // halfway through The Interestings, then on to The Best of Us}
{relaxing // by the pool after a long day at work and before the freak snow storm}
{enjoying // this cutie’s company}
{brunching // avocado + roma tomato scramble, mango mimosa at Table Mesa}
We also spent a wonderful Saturday morning at the first Farmer’s Market of the year.
xo xo
“An ice cream cone can solve any problem— even if it’s only for a few minutes.”
Sometimes you just need to cry, eat ice cream and get over it. And watch Big Bang Theory.
xo xo
the evening before
Aren’t Sunday evenings odd?
They are melancholy, a reminder that the weekend always ends too soon.
They are refreshing, knowing a brand new week is ahead with wonderful possibilities.
They are pressured, ensuring everything’s ready for the coming week.
They are reflective, remembering all the blessings we have.
Despite it all, I love them. I love Sunday evenings almost more than any night. There’s an unusual mix of nerve/unknown for the coming week and the final hours of relaxation. I feel free from the past week’s stresses and have a renewed resolve for tackling what’s ahead.
Our typical Sunday evening consists of a grand, home-cooked meal paired with a good wine. The apartment is clean from my Saturday flurry of chores. Puppy worn out from weekend activities. Fridge full. Clothes washed. Bed made.
And of course, the best television is on Sunday nights. Of late, we’ve had The Walking Dead and Revenge to distract our minds from the impending Monday morning. Or sometimes we like a really good movie to keep us entertained.
So this Sunday evening, I encourage you to focus on the positives, not the tomorrows. Enjoy the relaxing time you have with your loved ones.
xo xo
life lately
{celebrating // a beautiful friend’s bachelorette party}
{brunching // with mimosas on a patio. Is there any other way?}
{traveling // to Dayton, OH for work and the sweet old guy on the plane gave me this list of things to do in town}
{eating // this amazing deliciousness that is Pho}
{enjoying // a final night with my dear friend moving to LA}
{critiquing // contemporary art at 21c}
xo xo
p.s. I did wear the exact same outfit two Friday nights in a row with two different groups of friends.
My secret is out.
Hello lazy Saturday, it’s been a while
{slept in ’til noon}
{watched Breaking Dawn Pt. 2}
{jimmy johns run}
{took a nap}
{now its magazines on the couch time}
Happy Lazy Saturday! xo
life lately
{celebrating Samantha’s birthday – a few pics from over the years}
{Easter with family}
{eating this deliciousness made by my mom while in town}
{LOVE sign making class with my community group girls}
{wonderful Friday afternoon with my mom – pictured here: champagne + blackberry mango pop at First Friday on the Square}
{Hawaiian bridal shower for the beautiful Nicky, and getting ready for her bachelorette party tonight <3}
xo xo
Peace, Hope & Love
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3
It’s been a rough week. I was losing hope. I was focusing on myself. I was stressed. I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t see anything past the present second and my present problems.
Luckily, God was listening. (Of course He was!) He has given me the most gorgeous, relaxing weekend I could have possibly asked for and put things back into perspective. I’ll spare you my sermon, but reflect on the verse above. We are NEW because of Him. We have HOPE because of Him. He is so merciful, and He has overcome the world.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Whatever you’re going through, take a step back. Allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with peace, hope & love.
My weekend was:
[a lazy saturday]
[closing a restaurant catching up with old friends]
[taking a hot hot bath, simply because I wanted to]
[celebrating a dear friend’s birthday]
[expanding my mind reading intelligent articles in Wired]
[leaving the doors and windows wide open]
[a nice walk with my mom]
[celebrating the risen Christ with family]
[a terrific brunch with a terrific view]
[an afternoon not bound by plans]
[baking an oreo brownie surprise – recipe to come tomorrow!]
[mentally prepping for the season finale of The Walking Dead]
On that note, you should probably go back and read my blog How To Survive a Zombie Apocalypse in honor of tonight’s episode. Also, just in case it happens sooner than you expected.
xo xo
favorites.
These are a few of my current favorite things & I wanted to share with you, my lovely readers.
* * *
{Just sign up now. Don’t ask questions.}
{Dear Mindy, I watched your show The Mindy Project and thought you were pretty funny. I followed you on Twitter and thought you were hilarious. I read your book “Is Everybody Hanging Out Without Me?” and thought you were brilliant. XO, your newest fan}
{Whether for breakfast or snack or dessert, it’s always 100 calories & it always tastes just like Key Lime Pie.}
{Gel manicures – I know there’s a lot of controversy right now about getting cancer from the UV nail lights, but that’s not going to stop me. Look how pretty they always turn out?! I’m currently sporting the My Sugar Baby Blue in the top left in hopes of warmer weather.}
{I recently subscribed to this magazine and I love it. It’s a perfect mix of my entertainment news + global news stories (and doesn’t JLaw look stunning??)}
{My new nude pumps are going to be my Spring best friend. I will wear with boyfriend jeans, work attire + my nude lace dress for Easter this weekend.}
What are a few of your favorite things?
xo xo
life lately {media challenge edition}
So what did we do during those two weeks of our media fast? Here’s a peek at my life lately.
[NWAFW]
From top to bottom: NWAFW, The Chancellor Hotel; Friday night with Amanda; Saturday night walking the runway with Piper; Butternut Squash Ravioli = amaaazing, Union Kitchen + Drinks
[TRIP TO OHIO]
From top to bottom: Getting dressed up to see musical Sister Act with Mom; Commercial shoot in Cleveland; My Ohio welcoming meal – margherita pizza, homemade meatballs, pasta, fried artichokes, 3 Palms Pizzeria; Sleeping with my Roxie baby
[EVERYTHING ELSE]
From top to bottom: Two-day work session with Facebook, 21c Museum Hotel; Curling up with a good book + good wine; Olli soaking up the sunshine; One of many game nights; Norman Rockwell Exhibit + The Rail + Club Frisco = perfect Friday night
xo xo
7: Media
Okay friends, it’s about that time. Time for our media blackout. As part of our 7 challenge, for two weeks we will be giving up:
- TV/Movies
- Social Media (for personal use, since it’s my job I can’t necessarily give it up all together)
- Blogging
- Video Games
- Radio
- Texting (only texting out of necessity is allowed, no texting conversations)
- Internet (except what’s needed for daily life for bills, etc.)
What will we be doing with our time, you ask? Good question. I keep asking myself the same thing. Here’s the typical night in the Alderman household: come home from work, take Olli out, turn on the TV for background noise, cook dinner, eat dinner in front of the TV, watch TV, go to bed.
Yes we watch too much TV, I know that. Yes we shouldn’t eat dinner in front of the TV, I know that too.
In the same vein, here’s my typical day in social media consumption: wake up – check FB/Instagram, head to work & while sitting at a traffic light – check Twitter for morning’s news, periodically throughout the day – check all three (most of the time Instagram, over and over and over), get frustrated because people aren’t updating their lives regularly enough on social media, get back to my job (about social media), heading home from work while sitting at a traffic light – check Twitter for evening news, periodically throughout the night – check all three. repeat.
It sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? But I have a feeling I’m not the only millennial with those consumption habits.
All that to say, this is going to be a really tough two weeks for us. If husband wrote this blog he would talk about how hard giving up video gaming is going to be for him. He has replaced Saturday morning cartoons with Saturday morning video games while I sleep. Video games are his stress reliever, as blogging is mine.
* * *
Here’s the plan to combat media withdrawals:
Read. Read. Read. – I have at least two books I want to finish, but I’m shooting for three.
Take Olli on long walks every night after dinner.
Enjoy more quiet time with God.
Deep clean the apartment.
Invite people over and spend quality time together.
Do a DIY/Craft project together.
Attempt more complex recipes.
Games! – We are officially kicking off our media sabbatical by hosting a game night for our community group Sunday night.
Start a workout routine. – Insanity or P90X does not count as TV, per the council’s decision.
* * *
Next time you’ll hear from me will be March 24. I plan on journaling our process (in a REAL journal, not a blog) and sharing some of our insights, pains, joys and photos from our weeks apart. If you need me, call me, or just stop by our apartment. I’m sure we will be happy for the company.
xo xo
You might also enjoy: 7: Possessions // Week 1, 7 : Waste
m.davis xoxo 